Engine

COMMON PROBLEMS: Oil Leaks, Rough Idle, Misfires, VTEC Solenoid Issues, Excess Oil Consumption

The V6 runs strong, but oil leaks show up as these cars get miles on them. A spot on the driveway. A burnt smell after you park. The VTEC solenoid can seep or act up and throw a code when it does. Misfires and a rough idle sneak in as the plugs and coils wear down. Some owners catch the oil level dropping between changes too.

Transmission

COMMON PROBLEMS: Harsh Shifting, Torque Converter Shudder, Jerking at Low Speed, Delayed Engagement, Warning Lights

The early TLX with the eight-speed dual-clutch got a lot of complaints about rough low-speed shifting. It jerks or hesitates in stop-and-go, right where you notice it most. The nine-speed on the V6 had its own quirks. A delay when you drop it into gear. A shift that lands harder than it should. A torque converter shudder feels like a rumble under the seat. Fluid matters more on these than people think.

Cooling System

COMMON PROBLEMS: Water Pump Leaks, Coolant Loss, Overheating, Thermostat Failure, Radiator Leaks

The water pump wears out like it does on most cars, and the leak usually starts small. A drip. A sweet smell once the engine cools off. Coolant can also weep from an old radiator or a thermostat housing that gave out. The problem is a slow leak stays quiet until the gauge climbs on a hot day, and by then you're already in a bad spot.

Brakes

COMMON PROBLEMS: Squealing, Vibration When Braking, Premature Wear, Grinding, Soft Pedal

The TLX is heavy and quick enough that brakes wear faster than people expect. A squeal at low speed is usually the pads getting thin. A shake through the pedal when you stop points to warped rotors, and it only gets worse the longer you drive on them. Grinding means metal on metal, and that's past due. A soft pedal is its own thing and worth looking at right away.

Suspension

COMMON PROBLEMS: Clunking Noise, Uneven Tire Wear, Steering Vibration, Worn Bushings, Rough Ride

The TLX feels tight when it's fresh, then the bushings and control arm parts wear, and you start to hear it. A clunk over a speed bump. A knock turning into a driveway. Worn parts pull the alignment off, so the tires wear unevenly and the wheel shakes at speed. A car that used to feel planted starts feeling loose and busy on rough roads.